Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help meet their educational expenses. Jobs are available both on-campus and off-campus and the pay rate is generally higher than the federal minimum wage.

To be eligible, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answer “Yes” to the question, “Are you interested in work-study?” In addition, students must be matriculated in a degree-granting program and be enrolled for at least six equated credits for the fall or spring semester.

Packaging for Federal Work-Study happens centrally through CUNY, and preference is given to students who file the FAFSA early. Students who are awarded FWS funding must accept their awards through their CUNYfirst account. First time awardees are required to attend an orientation workshop prior to job placement on or off-campus. Students are notified automatically by the Financial Aid Office about workshops once awards have been accepted.

Students earn their FWS awards by working on or off campus, and they are paid by the hour. The amount a student earns cannot exceed the total FWS award. Unearned funds cannot be carried over to the subsequent academic year. When a student is assigned work hours, the student’s award amount, class schedule and academic progress are taken into consideration.

For additional information about this program, please call the Student Financial Aid Office at 718-982-2030.